Is "Mommy Brain" Real?
Do you start a task, get distracted, and end up doing three other things? Or maybe you spent 10 minutes looking for your mobile phone. Then you find it in the back pocket of your pants.
You might blame your forgetfulness on restless nights and stress as a new mom.
However, if you feel disoriented and empty-minded, you could have “mommy brain.” This article has all the information you require to understand this phenomenon, from causes to strategies for dealing with the feelings of mental fog.
What Is "Mommy Brain"?
Mommy brain, also known as momnesia, mom brain, or pregnancy brain, is the non-medical term used to describe the memory loss that mothers experience after having a baby.
For instance, you may forget a task just minutes after thinking of it or can’t remember your own dog’s name.
Some women tend to believe that these are the early signs of cognitive decline, but they're not. They can be frustrating, but there’s no need to worry about it.
According to the scientists, the “mommy brain” stereotype has as much, if not more, to do with people’s perception of themselves as forgetful and simple-minded as it does with actual neuroscience.
Is “Mom Brain” Real?
Yes, the brain does suffer structural changes during pregnancy. Research shows that pregnancy can lead to some rearrangement in the brain’s architecture, including a reduction in gray matter, which is vital to process information, and the formation of new neural pathways.
However, these changes don't clearly mean that cognitive performance will suffer. Studies comparing memory, attention, learning, and executive functions before and after pregnancy show no differences between expectant or new parents and those who aren't.
In fact, these brain changes may actually benefit new parents by improving parent-child bonding, nesting behaviours, and responsiveness to infant cues, like crying.
So, while the brain adapts during pregnancy, it can also support better parenting.
What Causes Mom Brain?
Studies may not fully explain the memory lapses mothers experience during maternal brain changes.
It might be more about where moms focus their energy. While you might forget where you left the TV remote, you can easily recognize between your baby’s “feed me” and “I need attention” cries.
You always remember your baby's feeding schedule and diaper changes vividly. This suggests it's not that your brain is losing its edge, but rather that it’s focusing on main tasks—like keeping your baby safe and healthy.
Another theory is that the brain areas that shrink during motherhood aren’t as important for newborn care. Instead, your brain reallocates resources to regions that matter more, like those involved in emotional bonding and baby care.
For example, research shows that while verbal recall might diminish, your recognition and working memory stay intact. So, it’s less about memory loss and more about shifting priorities and enhanced skills.
How Long Does It Last?
The exact duration of "Mommy Brain" isn’t clear, but the fogginess and forgetfulness usually fade within a few months after delivery.
A study found that moms with children over a year old performed just as well as non-mothers on attention tests and even excelled in executive control—meaning they’re better at handling multiple tasks and staying focused.
Although there’s no definitive timeline for how long these changes last, the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself likely helps moms adjust over time. As routines become more normal and children grow older, the mental load lightens, making it easier to focus and manage daily tasks without constant worry.
Tips for Dealing with “Mommy Brain”
If "Mommy Brain" sticks around for a while, here are some helpful tips to ease it:
1. Write Things Down or Set Reminders: Use tools like phone reminders or simple notes to keep track of important tasks. It’s not just for moms—everyone benefits from writing things down.
Remember, the human brain can handle only about seven things at once, though it can store more over time.
2. Get More Sleep: Although it might make parents chuckle, sleep is crucial. Lack of sleep affects everyone. Some studies suggest it takes up to 6 years for new parents to catch up on rest, especially with multiple kids. So, grab some sleep whenever you can!
3. De-Stress: While you can't always avoid stress, managing it is the solution. Take a walk, read, or find a few quiet moments to breathe. If time is tight, enjoy a calming activity with your kids, like coloring or reading. These moments can help you relax and refocus.
4. Be Patient: Give yourself grace as your brain adjusts to motherhood. Remember, you are not alone, and these changes are not only normal but might also be beneficial.
Final Thoughts
The key takeaway is to be kind to yourself during this stage.
Remember, your brain is adapting to a huge life change, and that’s okay. Embrace this new phase with patience and self-compassion. You're not alone in this, and over time, you'll find your rhythm again.
Keep taking care of yourself, and give yourself credit for the amazing job you're doing.
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References:
The Science Behind ‘Mommy Brain’ - Modern Counseling San Diego
New Parents May Face Up to Six Years of Disrupted Sleep -Sakari Lemola, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Warwick